6 takeaways from Smoky Valley USD 400 school board meeting

Board Votes to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate, Allowing for Higher Tax Levy

USD 400 Adopts $24.5 Million Budget for 2025-2026 School Year

Superintendent Signals Future Bond Issue Discussions

Board Approves Purchase of New School Bus for $93,385

Funding Approved for High School Washington, D.C. Trip

High School Theater to Receive New Lighting Equipment via Grant

1. Board Votes to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate, Allowing for Higher Tax Levy

LINDSBORG – The Smoky Valley USD 400 Board of Education voted unanimously on Sept. 8 to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate for the 2025-2026 budget. The 7-0 vote followed a brief public hearing where no taxpayers offered comments. Exceeding the state-defined revenue neutral rate, which is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, allows the district to levy a higher mill rate to fund its newly approved budget. The resolution was adopted during a special meeting held just before the board’s regular session.

2. USD 400 Adopts $24.5 Million Budget for 2025-2026 School Year

LINDSBORG – The Smoky Valley school board on Sept. 8 unanimously approved a $24,574,580 budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget is supported by a total property tax levy of $3,676,302. The estimated tax rate for the district is 42.900 mills, a slight decrease from the previous year’s actual rate of 43.211 mills. The budget was adopted following a public hearing, which drew no questions from the public. The approval passed with a 7-0 vote.

3. Superintendent Signals Future Bond Issue Discussions

LINDSBORG – Smoky Valley Superintendent Quentin Breese presented data to the Board of Education on Sept. 8 related to a potential future bond issue. While no action was taken, the presentation signals that the district is beginning to explore the possibility of asking taxpayers to fund significant projects through a bond. The discussion was part of the superintendent’s regular report to the board.

4. Board Approves Purchase of New School Bus for $93,385

LINDSBORG – The school board authorized the purchase of a new 48-passenger 2023 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 from American Bus Sales for $93,385 during its Sept. 8 meeting. The expenditure was approved as part of the consent agenda, which passed on a 7-0 vote.

5. Funding Approved for High School Washington, D.C. Trip

LINDSBORG – Smoky Valley High School students will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., next summer after the school board approved the trip on Sept. 8. The district committed to providing transportation to and from the airport and covering long-term parking fees. The board also agreed to spend up to $2,000 for each of two district employee sponsors. The trip is contingent upon a minimum of 10 students committing to attend.

6. High School Theater to Receive New Lighting Equipment via Grant

LINDSBORG – The Smoky Valley High School theater program is set to receive an upgrade after the school board officially accepted a $6,200 grant on Sept. 8. The funds come from the David J. Nutt Fund, administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation, and are designated for the SVHS Theatre Lighting Equipment Project.

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